A PLYMOUTH City Council-funded project to encourage community and voluntary groups to work together is staging a free five-hour event on Saturday.

The Plymouth Octopus Project (POP) aims to unite groups and give them free advice and support.

Its seminar, from 10.30am at the Age UK (Plymouth) building at Elspeth Sitters House, in Hoegate Street, will include advice on how to start a group, funding streams, writing constitutions, publicity and marketing practices, and sustainability.

POP was launched by the social enterprise and an equal pay worker co-operative Zebra Collective last year, in co-operation with organisations including Sustainable Routes, Time Bank and the Centre for Faith and Cultural Diversity.

The one-year, £65,000 council-funded programme, went to POP after a tender process. POP has a team of five part-time staff.

Susan Moores, community worker (left), said: "We are looking at a cultural change with a project giving people the capacity to have a voice and be part of a growing community of networks."

Refreshments will be provided, but delegates will need to bring lunches. Anyone wanting to book should contact Age UK at Elspeth Sitters House.